Device for producing sound



' Nov. 24, 1931. w. B. POTTER DEVICE FOR PRODUCING scum) File d May 25. 1927 Inventor. William E). Potter, by

His 'Abtcpr neu.

Patented Nov. 24, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM B. POTTER,'0F SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, A GORPORATIONOF NEW YORK DEVICE for. PRODUCING SOUND Application filed May 25,

its edges cemented to a ring or clamped between a pair of circular bands. Uniform'ity of vibration and faithful production of sound are dependent on the stiffness of the cone.

IVhen the edge of the cone is attached to acontinuous ring, as in previous constructions, difliculty may be encountered due to the fact that different parts of the cone do not have the same stiffness as a result of which the sound may be distorted. In accordance with my invention this difficulty is avoided by the provision of means for independently adjusting the stiffness of different parts of the cone.

My invention, will be better understood from the following description when c0nsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a conical diaphragm apparatus wherein my invention has been embodied; and Fig. 2 shows certain details of the apparatus.

This apparatus comprises a cone 1 made of paper or the like and attached to a frame 2 by means of a flexible strip 3, which is connected between the periphery of the cone and a plurality of segmental members 4 ar ranged to be clamped to the frame 2 by the clamps 5. Each of the clamps 5 is provided with a screw 6 which may be loosened or tightened to permit adjustment in the radial tension of the cone. With this construction the stiffness of the cone is readily adjusted so as to be substantially uniform at all points and the distortion of the sound is minimized or altogether avoided.

It will be apparent that other suitable 1927. Serial No. 194,181.

means, such as lacing, thumb screws, or the like, may be utilized to ensure uniformity in the tightness of the cone throughout its entire area.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated and described herein has been selected for the purpose of clearly setting forth the principles involved. It will be apparent, however, that the invention is susceptible of being modified to meet the different condi tions encountered in its use, and I, therefore, aim to cover by the appended claims all modifications within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is 1. A sound producing apparatus comprising a cone, a plurality of segmental members, and a strip of flexible material interposed between and attached to said members and the periphery of said'cone.

2. A sound producing apparatus compris ing a support, a diaphragm, a plurality of segmental members, a flexible strip interposed between and attached to said diaphragm and said members, and adjustablemeans attached to said support for fixing said members to said support.

3. A sound producing apparatus comprising a support, a diaphragm, a plurality of segmental members, a flexible strip interposed between and attached to said diaphragm and said members, and a plurality of adjustable clamps arranged to attach said members to said support.

4. A sound producing apparatus including a hollow cone, and means for supporting said cone including a flexible member attached to the outer edge of the cone and a discontinuous clamping ring attached to said flexible member, said clamping ring having a plurality of portions radially movable independently of each other.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 23rd day of May, 1927.

-WILLIAM B. POTTER. 

